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Portland Trail Blazers: Predicting the NBA’s top scorers for 2019-20

By Carson Brown

OAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the 2019 Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at the ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - MAY 16: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the 2019 Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs at the ORACLE Arena on May 16, 2019 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Portland Trail Blazers
Milwaukee Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). /

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off an incredible 2018-19 campaign that wrapped up with him receiving the NBA MVP award at just 24-years-old. This makes him the youngest MVP since Derrick Rose in 2011. Antetokounmpo is only going to get better which is horrifying for the rest of the league. Giannis has made leaps every year of his career and expect nothing different this season.

Unfortunately, the Bucks made no significant moves in the offseason to improve this roster. The Bucks were not willing to pay Malcolm Brogdon what he desired which lead to him ending up in Indiana. They brought in the wing shooting of Kyle Korver and Wesley Matthews, but neither of them will have the impact Brogdon did. Giannis must elevate his play yet again if he plans on taking this Bucks team any farther than the Eastern Conference finals.

The same question with Giannis is asked every preseason and it always involves the development of his jump shot. The general consensus around Antetokounmpo is that a consistent jump shot would make him one of the most intimidating forces in league history, but that jump shot has yet to be seen.

His ability to put the ball on the ground at his height and his length makes him as unique as any player ever. He can create for himself as well as create for others which leads to him being even more difficult to cover. As well as his ability to dominate with the ball in his hands he can put up a plethora of points on the offensive glass.

Antetokounmpo’s demeanor has never been questioned and neither has his passion for the game. Giannis clearly takes pride in evolving his game and the expectations for him entering this season are through the roof. Whether the jump shot we’ve all been seeking comes into play or not, Antetokounmpo will still be a monster.